Taiwan is a modern industrialised megalopolis clinging to the fringes of an ancient culture; a string of teeming cities at the feet of a glorious mountain range. Here you'll find traditional noodles at the 7-Eleven, and a day of temple rituals followed by waterslide rides.

Taiwan is a modern industrialised megalopolis clinging to the fringes of an ancient culture; a string of teeming cities at the feet of a glorious mountain range. Here you'll find traditional noodles at the 7-Eleven, and a day of temple rituals followed by waterslide rides.

Lunar FestivalA lunar month is determined by the period required for the moon to complete its full phasic cycle of 29 and a half days, a standard that makes the lunar year a full 11 days shorter than its solar counterpart. This difference is made up every 19 years by the addition of seven lunar months. The 12 lunar months are further divided into 24 solar divisions distinguished by the four seasons and times of heat and cold, all bearing close relationship to the yearly cycle of agricultural work

Lantern FestivalLantern Festival, also known as Shang Yuan Festival, takes place on the fifteenth day of the first moon. Last in a series of springtime celebrations, this "second New Year" is widely celebrated by families all around Taiwan. On the night of the festival, decorative lanterns depicting birds, beasts, historical figures, and any one of a number of different themes are carried by children or adorn temples. To highlight these glowing works of art, competitions are held . The Taipei Lantern Festival, held annually at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Plaza and the largest and most famous of these competitions, is attended every year by thousands of lantern-watchers. The Lantern Festival is further enriched by the customary lantern riddle parties that are held on this night.

Dragon Boat Festival"Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, and together with Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival forms one of the three major Chinese holidays. Since the summer is a time when diseases most easily spread, Dragon Boat Festival began as an occasion for driving off evil spirits and pestilence and for finding peace in one's life. The festival was later enriched by the legend of the patriot Chu Yuan. Dragon Boat Festival is highlighted by the dragon boat races, in which competing teams drive their boats forward rowing to the rhythm of pounding drums. This lively and colorful tradition has continued unbroken for centuries to the present day."

Double Ninth DayDouble Ninth Day falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. According to Chinese custom, "nine" is a number belonging to the positive principle "yang," thus the day is also known as Chung Yang or "Double Yang" Festival. The day is traditionally celebrated by activities including hill-climbing, drinking chrysanthemum wine, hanging dogwood sprays, and other customs handed down from the Han dynasty story of Huan Ching and Fei Chang-fang, and were all originally practiced to avoid disaster and danger. Taking advantage of the high, cool fall winds of the season, the people on Taiwan have enriched the holiday with kite-flying, a custom which has become immensely popular on the island over the years.

The East CoastSheer mountain cliffs rising right out of the Pacific Ocean are the breathtaking images that await you on Taiwan's east coast. Start in the fishing town of Su'ao and take the Su'ao-Hualien Highway, where some of the most amazing scenery is to be seen. If you have the time, keep going all the way down to the southern tip of the island - the views keep coming the whole way.

Taroko GorgeFormed by a river cutting a sheer gash through gleaming white marble, the gorge is a world-class natural wonder, surrounded by lush forests. Just north of the gorge is the Wenshan hotsprings, which pour forth from solid marble next to the river's edge, making a dreamlike natural sauna.

Green IslandFor Epicureans who can't get enough of a nice steamy soaking, little Green Island off Taiwan's east coast features a hotsprings that rises out of coral at the ocean's edge, mixing with the bracing waters of the sea. Good snorkeling and scuba is also to be had.

KentingThe national park at the southern tip of Taiwan, Kenting offers great beaches, unique geological formations, lots of forests, and a sunny resort atmosphere with accommodations for any budget. You'll find plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities like scuba and surfing.

Hsitou"A forestry research station founded by the Japanese, Hsitou sits near the top of the Central Mountain Range. A good place for breathing in piercingly fresh air and sweeping vistas. A little ways further south is equally beautiful Shanlin Hsi, where the waterfall puts on a magnificent show every dawn. From there is a foot path to Mt. Ali, with a sunrise to rival Shanlin Hsi."

Mt. JadeTaiwan's highest peak, Mt. Jade, rises 3,952 meters above sea level. As the mountain was previously beset with an overabundance of visitors, the number of climbers permitted is now strictly controlled. This makes the huffing and puffing to the top all the more serene, but make sure to register for your pass well in advance. If you're lucky enough to go from April to June, you'll see (and smell) lots of wild mountain lilies. The nearby town of Tungpu offers a lovely rest for weary walkers, as well as high-mountain tea and honey.

YenshuiThis little rural town explodes (literally) with activity every Lantern Festival, two weeks after Chinese New Year. The entire town takes part in an extravagant and perilous fireworks display - that involves audience participation. Vast numbers of bottle rockets are fired in showers directly at the crowd, which can also be enormous.

LukangThis little town in Changhua County established its reputation long ago as a center for traditional handicrafts. The old houses and streets of Lukang are amazingly well preserved, allowing you to lose yourself in a Taiwan of simpler times. The Lukang Folk Arts Festival goes on for three days just before the Dragon Boat Festival.

Time ZoneGMT +8 Hours

Language SpokenThe languages and dialects spoken in Taiwan have their origins in the Austronesian and Han lingual systems. Taiwanese - the dialect of Fujian Province - is spoken as a mother tongue by a majority of the population. Long Taiwan's "language of the street," it is increasingly favored in the media and business as well. The Hakka dialect is also spoken by a significant minority of Taiwanese.

Passport/ VISABritish citizens may stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days without a visa. If passport endorsed with other than British Citizen a visa is required. Passports should be valid for at least six months

ClimateA subtropical climate with moderate temperatures in the north, where there is a winter season. The southern areas, where temperatures are slightly higher, enjoy sunshine every day, and there is no winter season. The typhoon season is from June to October.

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